A hot flush is a phenomenon as disruptive as it is commonplace. One moment, life proceeds as usual. The next, a wave of heat rises, spreading from the chest to the face – leaving behind flushed skin and beads of sweat. For many, this sudden warmth is accompanied by an accelerated heartbeat and a faint sense of unease. Though brief – typically lasting anywhere from 30 seconds to five minutes – its intensity can be startling and made worse by unpredictable timing.

A recent viral video has brought attention to just how intense a hot flush can be. The video depicts a woman named Tracey Monique experiencing a hot flush while at an outdoor event. In the video, her head is literally steaming.

The sight of wisps of vapour escaping her head highlighted the dramatic effects of this common perimenopausal symptom. Often misunderstood or trivialised, the image of a hot flush brings fresh attention to a phenomenon that affects an estimated 75% of people experiencing perimenopause.

The video has also sparked debate on social media – reflecting the complexity of hot flushes themselves. Some argue the steam escaping Monique’s head was caused by her removing her hat while being in the cold. But many women have commented, saying the video perfectly encapsulates what a hot flush feels like.

Let’s take a look at what’s actually happening during a hot flush and why they can feel so severe.

At the heart of a hot flush lies oestrogen – a hormone critical role in regulating body........

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